Patrice Motsepe steps down as executive chairman of ARM in major governance shift
Leadership transition aligns African Rainbow Minerals with new JSE governance rules
The move, announced on Monday, follows amendments to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange Listings Requirements that came into operation on 16 February 2026. The revised rules stipulate that the chairperson of a listed company may no longer serve as an executive director.
In compliance with the new governance standards, Motsepe has retired as Executive Chairman and as an employee of the company but will remain on the board as non-executive Chairman.
The transition marks a significant governance milestone for African Rainbow Minerals, a diversified mining company with interests spanning iron ore, platinum group metals, coal, manganese and other commodities. Founded by Patrice Motsepe, ARM has grown into one of South Africa’s most prominent mining houses under his leadership.
Motsepe founded ARM and has served as Executive Chairman for many years, playing a central role in shaping the company’s strategy and growth across diversified mining assets. His transition formalises a separation between board oversight and executive management, in line with strengthened corporate governance requirements under the JSE’s Simplification Project.
This structural shift reinforces global best practices in corporate governance, ensuring clearer accountability between executive leadership and board oversight. By separating the roles, ARM aligns itself with evolving regulatory expectations while safeguarding long-term investor confidence.
David Noko will continue as Lead Independent Non-Executive Director, providing additional board oversight.
In a further move to strengthen operational leadership, ARM announced the appointment of Jacques van der Bijl as Chief Operating Officer with effect from 16 February 2026. Van der Bijl, a long-serving executive and mining engineer, takes on operational leadership responsibilities as the group navigates commodity price cycles and operational challenges in the sector.
The company said the leadership changes ensure regulatory compliance while maintaining continuity at board level. ARM remains focused on operational performance and shareholder value creation.
